Etihad flight diverted to Dubai after ‘security alert’

DUBAI // An Etihad Airways flight from Cairo to Abu ­Dhabi was diverted to Al ­Minhad Air Base in Dubai on Sunday morning following a security alert.

A search by security officers did not uncover any suspicious materials.

The Airbus A321 was carrying 128 passengers and seven crew, according to an Etihad Airways spokesman.

Flight EY650 had departed from Cairo at 3.49am (5.49am UAE time) and the security alert was sounded about two hours and 10 minutes after take-off.

“A security alert was received by Etihad Airways at approximately 8am, at which time the aircraft was diverted,” the spokesman said.

The plane has returned to Abu Dhabi.

“Etihad Airways will never compromise the safety and security of its aircraft,” the spokesman said.

No further details were available about the alert.

The spokesman confirmed that it was not an emergency landing.

Passengers shared information, photos on Twitter and Instagram showing the Dubai airbase.

Security screening was completed for passengers at Al Minhad and they were transferred by coach with their luggage to Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The General Civil Aviation Authority said investigations into the matter were under way, reported the state news agency, Wam.